The South-South Youth Vanguard Forum, a prominent youth support group of the All-Progressives Congress (APC), has officially endorsed Prince Ukachukwu as its preferred gubernatorial candidate for the upcoming Anambra State Governorship Election. This endorsement underscores the group’s unwavering belief in Prince Ukachukwu’s exceptional leadership qualities, extensive experience, and proven track record in both public and private sectors.

Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, a distinguished leader, has demonstrated outstanding administrative capabilities, notably during his tenure as Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC). His achievements in office set a benchmark for infrastructural development in the Federal Capital Territory, which continues to benefit residents to this day. In the private sector, Prince Ukachukwu has successfully managed a conglomerate of businesses, showcasing his strategic vision, innovative mindset, and commitment to excellence.

Speaking on behalf of the group, the National Coordinator, Comrade Philip Ikodor, called on youth and women across Anambra State to pledge their full support for Prince Ukachukwu. He urged party members at both national and sub-national levels to rally around his candidacy to ensure his emergence as the flagbearer of the APC.

“Prince Ukachukwu has what it takes to transform Anambra into a hub of economic prosperity and national development,” Comrade Ikodor said. “His leadership, when entrusted with the governorship, will tackle insecurity, foster sustainable development, and boost the state’s economy. Even as a private citizen, he has brought remarkable innovations and development to his people. Imagine what he could achieve when given the mandate to lead the state.”

The South-South Youth Vanguard Forum strongly believes that Prince Ukachukwu’s grassroots appeal, coupled with his developmental strides, makes him the ideal candidate to take Anambra to new heights of progress and prosperity. The group has pledged to mobilize massive support for his campaign, ensuring grassroot mobilization and high-level political alliances; galvanizing the brand “Ikukuoma” that will see every youth and woman in the state actively canvasses for his success in the forthcoming election.

The forum is calling on all APC stakeholders to seize this opportunity to present a candidate whose leadership qualities align with the aspirations of the people of Anambra State and the broader vision of the APC.

Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue says his administration has spent $2.82 million (N4.53 billion) to service external loans between June 2023 and June 2024.

Alia made the disclosure in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Makurdi.

The governor said that Benue has not borrowed funds since the inception of his administration but paid the said sum to reduce the state’s debt burden.

He further stated that the Debt Management Office (DMO) recent report confirmed that the external debt profile of Benue has experienced a sharp decrease within the period under review.

“Recall that having inherited over 350 billion in debts from the previous administration, the administration has been cautious about taking loans, despite initiating numerous projects across the state, with many already completed.

“We are changing the narrative for good governance and massively delivering dividends of democracy to the people.

“We are consistent in insisting that the future of the state comes first and has demonstrated the highest level of decision-making and resource management,” he said.

He further stated that the current Budgets release of the third quarter of 2024, States Fiscal Transparency League Table, indicated that Benue has moved to 9th position from the 35th and 36th positions it had consistently shuffled since 2015.

Sen. Ned Nwoko (PDP-Delta) says that Local Government Administration is central to democracy in Nigeria as it ensures grassroots governance and service delivery at the local level.

This is contained in a statement signed by Dr Michael Nwoko, the Chief of Staff to the lawmaker in Abuja on Monday.

Nwoko said this on the occasion of the presentation of an award “Icon of Hope” to him by the Association of Local Government Vice Chairmen of Nigeria (ALGOVC).

He was represented by his Chief of Staff.

He said that the importance of local government administration in the country could not be overemphasised, as it was the bedrock of democracy.

According to him, local governments in Nigeria play key roles in the country’s democracy by promoting participatory democracy, providing services, and representing citizens.

“Local Governments help determine local needs and how to meet them. They also act as a link between the centre, state, and local people.

“They are created to decentralise power and bring the government closer to the people. They perform both mandatory and concurrent functions.

“It is in view of this that I took it upon myself to enhance the viability of local governments through the Paris and London club loan refunds, “he said.

Dr Folashade Olabanji-Oba, ALGOVC National Chairman, while presenting the award at its 7th Annual National Conference, said the award was in recognition of the lawmaker’s significant contributions to strengthening local government administration.

She highlighted Nwoko’s critical role in ensuring the Paris and London Club loan refunds, a financial breakthrough she said enhanced the capacity of local governments nationwide.